Perfect storm needs the perfect leaders

Like ripples from a pebble in the water, the district’s seascape is changing next year.

One pebble tossed out with the opening of the new Redington Junior Senior High School ripples out to the feeder Dena’ina Elementary, and ripples further with the retirement of long-time administrators. It is a rippling effect where one job opening creates two.

But, skip across the surface a gallon of gas at $2.34 for a collapsed state coffer, and change the state education funding formula, that ripple makes waves. It’s the perfect storm. For teachers to be able to row safely through, the need for strong captains aboard the boat cannot be understated.

It is not news that 50 percent of new teachers leave the profession by the fifth year. I have passed the five-year mark six times, and if I have learned anything during that time, it is that teacher performance boils down to intelligent and supportive leadership.

When the district begins the arduous task of placing principals, I urge them to look for more than simply skilled administrators with the right answers in the interview. Skilled leaders might keep a boat from sinking. But, it won’t go anywhere.

It takes an intelligent leader with the right temperament to take a ship to the other shore. I hope they read beyond educational leadership texts to revisit the stories of great leaders, such as “A Team of Rivals” by Goodwin, “Corps of Discovery” by Ambrose, “Endurance” by Lansing, or “Brave Companions” by McCullough.

Then, after being hired, the leaders in the district will do well to focus on four simple tasks.

First, have the teachers’ backs. The term comes from the old movies when one of the dueling duo would take the charge while the other one would stay behind to cover for the one in front. They can see your possibilities when you can’t, or won’t, see them for yourself. Knowing someone has your back is like injecting a Red Bull into an eyedropper of courage.

Second, be mindful of the power of process. Include time for teachers to talk and plan together because all of us are smarter than any of us.

Third, work hard to let the powers that be realize that all the time and effort in testing is, in fact, all that time and effort away from teaching, learning, and capturing hearts.

Fourth, protect teachers from all the bureaucratic nonsense that makes up a day. Let them teach. That, after all, is why they come to work every day.

Finally, give teachers the autonomy to be creative. When assigned tasks that are challenging but not over-whelming, and charged with the belief that what they do is for a greater cause than themselves, teachers can, and do, amazing things.

I have seen a lot of changes in my life (and have been against most of them). But one thing hasn’t changed and that is the impact of brave and humble leadership. So, while I sit safely on shore watching the ripples come my way, I wish the district the best of luck’s definition, where opportunity meets hard work and preparation. Please, steer wisely.

Emily Forstner teaches Language Arts and Journalism at Wasilla High School.